News Release

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Wilmington Man Shot and Killed NR10579gb

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Harbor Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of a suspect(s) who shot and killed a 29-year-old male in the Wilmington area.

On Sunday, December 12, 2010, at around 10:20 a.m., Harbor area patrol officers received a 9-1-1 call of shots fired in the 1100 block of Alton Street. When the officers arrived at the scene, they found Jose Mercado lying on the ground, with a gunshot wound to his head.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics rushed the victim to a local hospital where he died.

There is no suspect description and detectives are trying to understand what prompted the shooting.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Harbor Area Homicide Detectives Cortez or Burzmato at 310-726-7889 or 310-726-7880. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.